The Two Leaning Towers of Bologna
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is not the only leaning tower in Italy. Infact, there are quite a few in Italy. One of them, rather two, lie in the heart of the majestic city of Bologna. Asinelli and Garisenda, the two leaning towers are a symbol of Bologna and climbing the Asinelli tower is an experience in itself.
Le Due Torri
During the 12th century Bologna had more than 100 towers, giving Manhattan skyline a run for its money. These towers were built by wealthy families as a display of their status. They also acted as a defence post during the fight between Guelphs and Ghibellines, the factions supporting the Pope and the Roman Emperor respectively. The Two Towers (Le Due Torri) were built by Asinelli and Garisenda families and hence the name. Today only 20 odd towers have survived and the Two Towers are the most famous amongst them.
Climbing the Asinelli Tower
Built from 1109 to 1119, the Asinelli tower is 97.2 m high with an inclination of 1.3﮲ on its west side. It’s the tallest leaning tower in the world (The Leaning Tower of Pisa stands at 57 m). Climb 498 steps to have a 360﮲ view of Bologna. Although the climb can be claustrophobic, it is absolutely worth it! Bologna is nicknamed “La Rossa” (the Red) and the stunning views from the top easily explain why.
Garisenda Tower
The Garisenda Tower inclines 4﮲ on its east side. Dante in his famous book Inferno had compared Garisenda to the giant Antaeus. The tower was initially 60 m high but had to be shortened to 48 m due to its very high inclination post construction. One cannot climb the Garisenda Tower.
Tickets for Asinelli Tower
Climbing the Asinelli Tower costs 5€ and tickets for the same can be purchased from the Bologna Tourist Office at Piazza Maggiore. There are 45 minutes time slots starting from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm during summers and 9:30 am to 5:00 pm during winters. In case you buy the Bologna Welcome Card, access to the tower is free. To know more about the Bologna Welcome Card please visit the following website https://www.bolognawelcome.com/en/
Sincera Tip
- Reach early in the morning to capture the Two Towers without the crowd
- Do take the Towers Tour, a 2 hrs tour about the various towers of Bologna. The price for the tour is 15€. Enquire more about it in the tourist office at Piazza Maggiore